Los Angeles tennis great Earn dies at 86

LOS ANGELES, April 9 (UPI) -- Former Los Angeles tennis star Carl Earn, who later became an tennis instructor for Hollywood stars, died last week in Los Angeles at the age of 86.

Earn, who capitalized on once being ranked No. 7 in the professional tennis world by training numerous celebrities, died last Wednesday at his home from natural causes, the Los Angeles Times said Monday.

After entering pro tennis in 1946, Earn took up head tennis professional jobs at a pair of prestigious Beverly Hills clubs.

In addition, the former Ojai Valley Tournament champion opened the Tennis Place facility in Los Angeles.

During his time as an instructor, Earn shared tennis tips with film greats like Gene Hackman, Charlton Heston and Kirk Douglas.

He is survived by his sister Lillian Ziff; brother Bill, nephew Lee Ziff; and nieces Lisa Sabah and Sheila Earn.